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Harper Hits 2 Homers Off Verlander In Nats’ Loss To Tigers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL - MARCH 07: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium on March 7, 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch. (FILE Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) – Bryce Harper hit his first two home runs this spring, connecting both times off Justin Verlander in the Washington Nationals’ 7-6 loss Sunday to a split squad of Detroit Tigers.

Verlander hadn’t allowed a run in three starts of exhibition play until the NL MVP tagged him.

Nationals starter Joe Ross exited in the second inning with a bruised right heel after getting by Nick Castellanos’ comebacker.